Meet our Corporate Leadership

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Michael Herbert

President & Chief Executive Officer

Michael Herbert joined DDKS in 1999 as Vice President of Finance. He was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in November, 2006, and selected as President & CEO in October 2013. In this position, Herbert is responsible for leading the oldest and largest dental benefits carrier in the state, providing direction for the company and representing Kansas to the national Delta Dental Plans Association.

Dean Newton

Managing Director and Executive Vice President

Dean Newton joined DDKS in 2005 as Vice President, Sales and Marketing and was promoted to Chief Marketing and Sales Officer in 2009 before obtaining his current role as Managing Director and Executive Vice President in January 2014. He is responsible for the overall external constituent focus of Delta Dental of Kansas, including sales and marketing, communications and professional relations. Newton contributes to the development, design and implementation of long-term strategies, product development, and process improvement.

Michael Ellis

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Michael Ellis joined DDKS in 2004 as Director, Audits and Compliance and was promoted to Controller in 2006 and Vice President, Finance in 2013 before obtaining his current role as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in June 2015. He is responsible for all accounting and underwriting functions of the corporation and managing its financial activities including investments and assets.

Patrick Tuttle

Chief Operating Officer

Patrick Tuttle joined DDKS in 2016 as Chief Operating Officer. He is responsible for overseeing DDKS' operation division which includes Customer Service, Claims Processing and Consultant Review.

Dean Newton

Managing Director and Executive Vice President

Dean Newton joined DDKS in 2005 as Vice President, Sales and Marketing and was promoted to Chief Marketing and Sales Officer in 2009 before obtaining his current role as Managing Director and Executive Vice President in January, 2014. Prior to joining DDKS, Newton served as a member of the Kansas House of Representatives.

STRATEGY TEAM

Keith Asplund

Vice President, Product Management

Keith Asplund joined DDKS in 2005 as Manager, Applications and was promoted to Manager, Claims Processing in 2011 and Vice President, Operations in 2014 before obtaining his current role as Vice President, Product Management in May 2015. He leads the development, implementation and management of operational process improvements, streamlining processes to reduce costs and ensure quality.

Jennifer Bauer

In-house Counsel

Jennifer Bauer joined DDKS in 2015 as In-house Counsel. She provides direction, guidance and assistance on legal matters to the company, educates management on legal changes and works with outside legal counsel as needed. She also oversees the administration of all insurance contracts.

Bryce Dougherty

Controller

Bryce Dougherty joined DDKS in 2007 as Internal Auditor and was promoted to Director, Audits and Compliance in 2010 before obtaining his current role as Controller in November 2013. As Controller, Dougherty oversees all aspects of the company’s accounting functions and audit activities.

Bob Ebenkamp

Vice President, Information Technology

Bob Ebenkamp joined DDKS in 1989 as Programmer Analyst and was promoted many times before obtaining his current role as Vice President, Information Technology in August 2003. He is responsible for hardware maintenance and peripherals, purchasing, creation and modifications to all of the organization’s software and systems.

Molly Edwards

Vice President, Operations

Molly Edwards joined DDKS in 2015 as Vice President, Operations. She oversees Delta Dental of Kansas' Customer Service and Claims Processing departments where she leads streamlined operational processes of the highest standard.

Junetta Everett

Vice President, Professional Relations

Junetta Everett joined DDKS in 1987 as a Customer Service Representative and was promoted to Professional Relations Representative in 1988 before obtaining her current role as Vice President, Professional Relations in 1995. She oversees the network relationships, recruitment, compliance communication, education and support for Delta Dental of Kansas’ participating dentists.

Vice President, Human Resources

Sarah Patterson

Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Sarah Patterson joined DDKS in 2006 as Director, Marketing & Communications and was promoted to Vice President, Marketing & Communications in October 2012. She oversees the communications department including planning, developing and directing the company’s overall marketing, advertising, public relations, community benefits, brand development, and government relations.

Dr. Jon Tilton

Vice President, Professional Review & Dental Director

Dr. Jon Tilton joined DDKS in 2007 as Vice President, Professional Review & Dental Director. He develops and leads the strategic plan of the Professional Review department, and oversees all aspects of the claims review process.

Dean Newton

Managing Director and Executive Vice President

Dean Newton joined DDKS in 2005 as Vice President, Sales and Marketing and was promoted to Chief Marketing and Sales Officer in 2009 before obtaining his current role as Managing Director and Executive Vice President in January, 2014. Prior to joining DDKS, Newton served as a member of the Kansas House of Representatives.